Evan’s NHL Daily: Bruins Lose Big, Coyotes Can Start Anew

Congratulations to the Florida Panthers on winning their very first Stanley Cup, putting an end to the (long) NHL season. Before they had a chance to do that, the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins tried to steal the spotlight, announcing a big trade about 20 minutes before the start of Game Seven. I’m sure Gary Bettman and company weren’t too happy with that timing, but there’s an easy way to avoid that – don’t let the season drag on as long as it did.

Of course, the Bruins probably wanted the news to come out before the game so that it might get lost in the shuffle. That won’t happen, as the return they received for Linus Ullmark sure doesn’t match what it sounded like they were asking for.

The Arizona Coyotes are officially dead. For now, at least. Their previous owner is walking away from the Coyotes, which is probably the best news for them overall. I think the NHL will be back in Arizona, but maybe with a competent owner next time.

Colorado Hockey Now

I guess we can ignore the Ullmark to Colorado talk, but I’m not sure how much of that talk there was after the Trade Deadline. For now, here are some important dates over what should be a very hectic 7-10 days.

News And Rumors

Florida Hockey Now: Really happy for George Richards and Colby Guy, who have been providing the best Panthers coverage all season long. Here’s some photos from the ice after their Stanley Cup victory.

ESPN: For the first time in over 20 years, the Conn Smythe winner was not on the Stanley Cup winning team. After breaking records, the award went to Connor McDavid.

I don’t think you can ignore what McDavid did all playoffs, but I get why there’s frustration with his vote. That being said, I don’t know if the Panthers had a perfect nominee either. Bobrovsky finished the playoffs with a .906 save percentage. That’s pretty pedestrian, but when he was on, he was really on. Could have just given it to Evan Rodrigues.

Boston Hockey Now: They wanted a better package then what the Calgary Flames got for Jacob Markstrom. Instead, they got a fourth liner, a late first, and a bad goalie for Linus Ullmark.

Ottawa had to retain 25% on the Joonas Korpisalo, but that’s a huge win for them. There were murmurs they were considering buying him out. That was an ugly contract the day it was signed, but they got out of most of it. Boston must be banking on their system turning his career around. For Ottawa, they get a solid goaltender who they’re probably hoping to convince to sign an extension. I don’t think the Senators are done making changes this summer, either.

PHNX: A few days after Arizona’s State Land Department canceled an auction for potential land for a new Arizona Coyotes facility, Alex Meruelo is calling it quits, according to one of the best in the business, Craig Morgan.

If you’re a Coyotes fan, this is probably for the best. I don’t think Bettman is done trying to make the NHL work in Arizona, but they needed anyone other than Meruelo to run things. Now they’ll have to search for the right guy to get it done.

San Jose Hockey Now: Well, we know one restricted free agent who won’t be getting qualified, as the Sharks are moving on from Calen Addison.

Philly Hockey Now: We’ll see how Torts feels about his defensive game (or lack thereof), but Matvei Michkov certainly changes the Flyers roster.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Is there a chance that the Penguins buyout the contract of former Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves?